Hat-softening device



April 19, 1932. E. E. HODSHON HAT SOFTENING DEVICE Filed Nov. 15, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet w ll Ill IIJ ll l llll lll lll L 7!! VII bill, A

INVENTOR- 2729 iii #00 07? BY J r g' ATTORNEYS April 19, 1932. E. E. HODSHON HAT SOFTENING DEVICE 2 SheetsSheei Filed Nov. I3, 1928 INVENTOR Ernest finds/1021 ATTOR N EYS Patented Apr. 19, 1932 ERNEST E. HODSHON, OF NUTLE Y, NEW JERSEY HAT-SOFTENIBTG DEVICE Application filed November 13,1928. Serial No. 319,030.

The ironing operations performed upon felt hats frequently render them objectionably stifi'. They must then be worked in some way until they have been softened to the proper degree andhave the'fiexibility of crown and brim required in felt hats.

Animportant object of the present invention is to provide improved mechanical means for efficiently and satisfactorily performing the hat-softeningoperations.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the complete 5 device partly in section;

Fig. 2 a top plan View; i Fig. 3 a fragmentary view of the device showing its massaging action upon a hat crown;

Fig. 4: a horizontal section taken on the line l -4 of Fig. 3, with the hat removed; Fig. 5 a fragmentary front elevation of the device adjusted for massaging a hat brim; and

6 a section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1 with a hat brim inserted into the device.

The device includes a base 1 which may be mounted upon a work table or other suitable 15 support. An upstanding neck 2 is formed upon the base and rigidly supportsa fiat, .cy-

lindrical shell, or cup 3. Also formed upon the base at a pointspaced materially from the neck 2 is a standard 4 upon the upper end of'which a lateral arm 5 is swiveled as at 6. This arm is of suflicient length to extend over the shell 2 and its free end is formed with a vertical bearing 7 adapted to aline with the axis of the shell. A vertical shaft or shank 8 is rotatably mounted in the bearing 7 and has a straight inverted channel member 9 rigidly attached to its lower end. The channelmember 9 and the shell 3 form holders for the means which operate upon the hat, as will be described presently. Fixed t0 the upper end of the shank 8 is a crank 10' for turning theshank and the holder 9. A sleeve 11 is threaded into the lower end of the hearing 7 and forms part ofthe bearing means 59 for the shank 8 and serves as an adjustable abutment for a compression spring 12 which encircles the shank, is interposed between the sleeve and the holder 9 and tends to force the latter downwardly. T 0 limit the downward movement of the holder a nut 13 and check-nut 14: are threaded upon the shank 8' to abut the upper end of the bearing 7.

A. flat, cylindrical block15 is removably fitted within the shell 3. 1 This block is a carrier or support for a group of hat-massaging elements 16. At its upper face it is formed with a group of vertical openings or bores into each of which is fitted-and secured a socket member 17 similar to a type of socket member used for attaching casters to furniture.

There are a series of these socket members and elements 16'equally spaced in a circle around the axis of the block 15 and also one at the center of the block.

Each of the-massaging elements 16 comprises a small sphere 18 and a holder therefor comprising a cup-shaped socket 19 formed to retain thesphere for universal rotation with one side protruding, and a shank 20. At its lower end the shank 20 is reduced and is formed to fit into one of the socket members 17 and effect a snapconnection with it. p The massaging elements are thereby detachably mounted uponthe block. The mounting of the ball 18 and thesnap connection of its holder are also similar to those of a furniture caster. Balls of any suitable size may be used and they may be spaced in any'suit able manner. Good results are had by employing balls-seven-eighths of an inch in diameter and spacing them approximately one-half inch apart around the circle, and'the same distance from the central one.

Removably fitted within the upper channel-shaped holding member 9 is a block 21 whose under face is flat and formed with openings or bores in which socket'members22 similar to the members 17 are secured.- Detachably connected-to each socket'member 22 is a depending"hat-massaging elementi23 similar in every way to the lower elements: 16

and spaced the same distance apart. The 'sockets'22 andelements-23 are arranged in a straight row to extend diametrically with relation to the circle of elements16 when the til) 2 1,e54,soe

holder 9is directly over the block 15. The elements 23 of the upper group are then pposed to the elements 16 of the lower group but in staggered relation thereto, the inner elements 23 being disposed midway between the central element 16 and the circularly ar ranged elements and the outer or end elements 23 being disposed outside of the circularly arranged elements.

The lower block is removably held in the shell 3 by a screw 24 and the upper block 21 is removably held in its holder 9 by two set screws 25 threaded into the ends of the holder. Thus both blocks are readily removable from their supports and other blocks with differently arranged massaging elements may be substituted for them. Also, the massaging elements are readily detachable from both blocks so that elements of another size may be substituted.

The lower block 15 is provided with a pair of additional socket members 26 similar to the socket members 17 and 22, arranged directly under the circular path of the outermost elements 23 and spaced apart the same distance as the sockets 17. Detachably connected to the sockets 26 are two hat-massaging elements 27 of the same size and form as the elements 16 and 23. These elements are designed to cooperate with one of the outermost elements 23 for softening the brim of a hat, as will be described hereinafter. In order to hold the cooperating upper element 23 in proper position with relation to the pair of lower elements 27 locking means are provided to hold the shank 8 and holder 9 against turning. This locking means comprises a pin 28 mounted in the bearing 5 and adapted to engage in a keyway 29 formed in the shank 8. A spring 30 tends to project the pin into the keyway, and the pin and bearing are provided with cooperating lugs 31 adapted to engage each other when the pin is pulled outward and twisted, to hold it in unlocking position when the shank 8 and holder 9 are to be turned.

The swiveled arm 5 is adapted to be swung laterally to bring the upper group of hatmassaging elements into and out of operative relation to the lower group. To retain an operative adjustment of the upper group directly over the lower group locking means are provided. This means includes a pin 32 slidably mounted in a bracket 33 carried by the arm 5 and adapted to engage in an aperture formed in a fixed segment 3% upon the standard 4. A spring tends to force the pin into the aperture and lock the arm 5 against movement. When the pin is retracted to unlock the arm and the latter is swung, the pin rides upon the segment 34:, and when the pin and aperture are re-alined the pin is projected by spring 35 to automatically lock the arm.

The brims of felt hats require a softening treatment more often than the crowns. This is due to the press and ironing operations which are performed in fianging a brim. These operations frequently render the brim extremely stifi. To operate upon the brim with my device the upper holder 9 is turned to bring one of its outermost elements 23 into operative position intermediate the lower elements 27 and then effect a locking engagement between the pin 28 and the shank 8. To properly position and hold the cooperating lower elements 27, the shell 3 is provided with a key 36 which engages in a keyway 37 formed in the edge of the block 15. As will be seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the upper element 23 occupies a staggered position between the lower elements 27 and its lower end extends below the plane of the upper ends of elements 27. The space between the opposed elements may be properly adjusted by means of the nut 13 upon the shank 8 of the upper holder. Having adjusted the device the brim of the hat is inserted between the elements:

23 and 27 and moved back and forth therebetween. The opposed staggered elements then flex the brim and massage both surfaces thereof. If the brim is thrust inward sufficiently it will also come between some of the inner elements 16 and 23 and be massaged by them. The massaging balls of all the elements are mounted for independent universal rotation so that they are free to rotatev erly adjusted by means of the threaded sleeve 11. The spring also gives the device a desired yield to prevent injury of the hat.

hen it 18 required to soften the crown of a hat the arm 5 is swung, after releasing thepin 35, to carry the upper group of elements 23 away from the lower group and the detachable brim-massaging elements 27 are .removed. The hat may then be placed over the lower group of elements which, together with the shell 3 are adapted to enter the crown of the hat. Arm 5 is then swung to bring the upper elements 23 back into operative position, the top of the hat crown being now interposed between said elements and the lower elements 16. Locking pin 28 having been actuated to release the shank 8 the crank 10 may be turned to rotate the upper group of elements for the crown-softening operation in cooperation with the fixed elements 16. The revolving upper elements move in circular paths staggered with relation to the lower elements, and are adjusted to project below the upper ends of the latter so that they cooperate with the lower elements to flex and massage or knead the crown thoroughly and soften it to the proper de gree. An adjusted yieldable pressure is provided during the operation by the spring 12. The design of the device permits the hat to be tilted for the massaging of the sides of the crown, the neck 2 being reduced to provide clearance and the shell 2 and elements 16 being suitably proportioned. WVhen the operation is completed the arm 5 is unlocked and swung laterally to remove the elements 23 and permit the hatto be taken out of the device. If the lower elements obstruct the swinging of the upper elements-into or out of operative position the spring 12 will permit the upper elements to yield and ride over the lower ones.

shown and described a very satisfactory form do not wish to be limited of my invention, I strictly to this disclosure but reserve-the right to make such changes as will lie within the scope of the claims.

What I claim is:

1. A hat-softening device comprising a plurality of spherical elementsfor massaging one surface of a hat rotatably mounted individually in fixed spaced relation; and

a spherical element for massaging the op-'- posite surface of the hat rotatably mounted in staggered opposed relation to the first elements, said opposed elements being adapted to accommodate the thickness of the hat therebetween and to flex the hat and massage it as it is moved relatively between the elements.

2. A hat-softening device comprising a plurality of spherical elements for massaging one surface of a hat mounted and held in spaced relation for independent universal rotation; anda spherical element for massaging the opposite surface of the hat mounted in staggered relation to the first elements for universal rotation, said opposed elements being adapted to accommodate the thickness of the hat therebetween and to flex the hat and massage it as it is moved relatively between the elements.

3. A hat-softening device comprising a plurality of spherical elements for massaging one surface of a hat rotatably mounted individually and held in spaced relation; a

spherical element for massaging the opposite surface of the hat rotatably mounted in staggered opposed relation to the first elements, said opposed elements being adapted to accommodate the thickness of the hat therei as between and to flex the hat and massage it as it is moved relatively between the elements; and spring means yieldably pressing disposing them to accommodate the thickness of a hat therebetween and to flex and massage the interposed hat when relatively rotated. I

5. A hat-softening device comprising two groups of spherical hat-massaging elements, one group adapted to pass into the crown of a hat andoperate upon the inner surface thereof and the other group adapted to oper ate upon the outer surface of the crown, the elements of each group being mounted and held in spaced relation for independent universal rotation; and means supporting said two groups in opposed relation for rotation relatively to each other'and disposed to flex and massage the interposed hat crown.

6. A hat-softening device comprising two groups of spherical hat-massaging elements, the elements of each group being'mounted and held in spaced relation for independent umversal rotation; means mounting said two groups in opposed relation for rotation relatively to each other with the elements ofone group in staggered paths with relation to the elements of the other group and the two groups disposed to accommodate the other group adapted to operate uponthe outer surface of the crown; mountings for said -massaging elements supporting and holding them in spaced relation in each group and means supporting the two groups in opposed relation for rotation of one group relatively to the other group about an axial line extending through both groups and disposing the massaging elements to flex and massage the interposed hat crown.

85A hat-softening device comprising two groups of hat-massaging elements, one group adapted to enter the crown of a hat and operate upon the inner surface thereof and the other group adapted to operate upon the outer surface of the erown; means for independently and removably supporting said elements individually and holding them in spaced relation in each group; and means supporting the two groups in opposed relation for rotation of one group relatively to the other group about an axial line extending through both groups and disposing the massaging elements to flex and massage the interposed hat crown.

9. A hat-softening device comprising two groups of hat-massaging elements, one group adapted to enter the crown of a hat and operate upon the inner surface thereof and the other group adapted to operate upon the outer surface of the crown; mountings for said massaging elements supporting and holding them in spaced relation in each group; means supporting the two groups in opposed relation for rotation of one group relatively to the other group about an axial line extending through both groups and disposing the massaging elements to flex and massage the interposed hat crown; releasable locking means to prevent said rotation; and brim-massaging means mounted adjacent one of said groups and adapted to cooperate with an element of the other group for massaging a hat brim when the groups are locked against relative rotation.

10. A hat-softening device comprising two groups'of hat-massaging elements, one group adapted to enter the crown of a hat and operate upon the inner surface thereof and the other group adapted to operate upon the outer surface of the crown; mountings for said massaging elements supporting and holding them in spaced relation in each group; means supporting the two groups in opposed relation for rotation of one group relatively to the other group about an axial line extending through both groups and disposing the massaging elements to flex and massage the interposed hat crown; releasable locking means to prevent said rotation; and brim-massaging means detachably mounted adjacent one of said groups and adapted to cooperate with an element of the other group for massaging a hat brim when the groups are locked against relative rotation, said brim-massaging means being mounted for.

shifting into and out of operative position.

11. A hat-softening device comprising a plurality of hat-massaging elements; means rotatably supporting said elements for individual rotation in fixed space relation to operate upon one surface of a hat; a hat-massaging element to operate upon the opposite surface of the hat; and means supporting said last element in staggered opposed relation to the first elements, said opposed elements being formed and supported to accommodate the thickness of a hat therebetween and to flex the hat and massage it as it is moved relatively between the elements.

12. A hat-softening device comprising two groups of hat-massaging elements adapted to operate upon the opposite surfaces of a hat; mountings for said massaging elements supporting and holding themin spaced relation in each group and including snap means rendering the elements independently removable; and means supporting the two groups in opposed relation for rotation of one group relatively to the other group about an axial line extending through both groups and disposing the massaging elements to flex and massage a hat interposed between the groups.

13. A hat-softening device comprising two groups of hat-massagin g elements one group adapted to enter the crown of a hat and operate upon the inner surface thereof and the other group adapted to operate upon the outer surface of the crown the elements of each group being mounted and held in spaced relation; and means mounting said two groups in opposed relation for rotation of one group relatively to the other group about an axial line extending tnrough hoth groups with the elements of the rotatable group in staggered paths with relation to the elements of the other group and the elements of the two groups supported to accommodate the thickness of a hat therebetween and to flex and massage the interposed hat without permanently altering i shape when the groups are relatively rotated.

14. A hat-softening device comprising two groups of hat-massaging elements one group adapted to enter the crown of a hat and operate upon the inner surface thereof and the other group adapted to operate upon the outer surface of the crown the elements of each group being mounted and held in spaced relation for independent universal rotation; and means mounting said two groups in opposed relation for rotation of one group relatively to the other group about an axial line extending through both groups with the elements of the rotatable group in staggered paths with relation to the elements of the other group and the elements of the two groups supported to accommodate the thickness of a hat therebetween and to flex and massage the interposed hat when the groups are relatively rotated.

15. A hat-softening device comprising two groups of hat-massaging elements adapted to operate upon the opposite surfaces of a hat; mountings for said massaging elements supporting and holding them in spaced relation in each group; means supporting the two groups'in opposed relation for rotation of one group relatively to the other group about an axial line extending through both groups with the elements of the rotatable group in paths staggered with relation to the elements of the other group and the elements of the two groups overlapping in the direction of said axis; and yieldable means tending to force the groups relatively toward each other to press the elements against the opposite surfaces'of an interposed hat to flex and massage it when the groups are relatively rotated. V

16. A hat-softening device comprising two groups of hat-massaging elements adapted to operate upon the opposite surfaces of a hat; mountings for-said massaging elements supporting them for individual rotation and holding them in spaced relation in each group; and means supporting the two groups in opposed relation, with the elements of one group in staggered relation to the elements of the other group and the elements of the two groups overlapping through a plane extending transversely of the groups to cause the elements to engage the opposite surfaces of an interposed hat to flex and massage it when it is moved relatively between the groups of elements.

17. A hat-softening device comprising two groups of hat massaging elements, one group formed to enter the crown of a hat and operate upon the inner surface thereof and the other group formed to operate upon the outer surface of the crown; mountings for saidmassaging elements supporting and holding them in spaced relation in each group; and means supporting the two groups for rotation of one group relatively to the other group about an axial line extending through both groups, disposing the elements to flex and massage an interposed hat crown and permitting one group to be shifted away from the other group for insertion or removal of a hat and shifted back to operative position.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

ERNEST E. HODSHQN. 

